Looking for a beautiful, stress-free winter wedding in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara?
Take advantage of our deeply discounted venue-only package, exclusively available during the off-season.

Special Venue Package Price: $6,000

January 2 – March 31, 2026 Fridays & Saturdays Only
For Ceremonies & Receptions under 100 guests

WINTER SPECIAL

What’s Included:

Full access to USSB’s venue spaces for up to 10 hours (Regular rate: $6,500)
Sanctuary, Parish Hall, Courtyards,

1-hour rehearsal scheduled in advance

Day-of USSB Venue Assistant

Post-event custodial services

Complete Table & Chair Rental Package (Normally an additional $1,500!):

- 10 round dining tables (66”)
- 10 banquet tables
- 3 Buffet tables
- 5 cocktail tables
- 6 umbrellas
- 100 white resin folding    chairs
- sweetheart table
- Indoor & outdoor market lights
- Setup and breakdown


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We’ve taken the headache out of vendor selection! To make planning seamless, we’ve partnered with some of Santa Barbara’s top wedding professionals—each offering exclusive discounts with the USSB Winter Package. Once you book your date, we’ll connect you with our Premier Preferred Vendors, ready to bring your vision to life. Services are paid separately:
- Catering Connection – Full-service catering, bar service and event tableware
- Heather Legere, Lucky Penny Events – Expert wedding coordination
- DJ Darla Bea – 9-time “Best DJ in Santa Barbara” award winner
Julia Garcia, Wedding Officiant – Voted Best Officiant by California Wedding Day Magazine 2025

Note: All of these Premium Preferred Vendors are available for your date, but you must use Catering Connection and Lucky Penny Events to take advantage of this special pricing.

Trusted Premier Preferred Vendors with Special Pricing Just for You!

Restrooms and Dressing Area
Venue Staff
Outdoor Terrace
Rehearsal Date

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Ceremony Only

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Includes:

4 Hours of Venue Use in your choice of location:
  • Sanctuary (Capacity: 250)
  • Parish Courtyard (Capacity: 200) or
  • Jefferson Courtyard (Capacity: 100)

Saturday

Friday / Sunday

Monday–Thursday

$4,000

$3,000

$2,500

Why Choose a Winter Wedding at USSB?

- Save $2,000 vs. peak-season venue pricing and table rentals
- Gorgeous soft winter light—perfect for photography
- Elegant indoor-outdoor flow with built-in rain plan
-  Simplified planning with a bundled package and trusted vendor options
- Convenient downtown Santa Barbara location in a historic setting.

Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour

Take a Virtual Tour

Interested in hosting your wedding at USSB?

Fill out the form below to get started!
Before you inquire, feel free to take a look at our availability calendar.

FAQs

Can we have just our wedding ceremony, or just our wedding reception, at the Unitarian Society?

Absolutely! But our facility is a wonderful and beautiful place to have both! There’s no need to make your guests drive from one venue to another. We have everything you’ll need here.

Do we have to be members of the Unitarian Society in order to have our wedding or reception there?

Absolutely not – we are open to the public.

Can I arrange for a tour of the Unitarian Society?

Yes! Guided sites tours are available by emailing Joanie Bear, our Facility & Events Coordinator, or calling her at 805-965-4583 ext. 223. Please suggest a day and time or two that would work for you when making your inquiry. Also, feel free to stop by any time during Sunday Service or during normal business hours to take a peek!

How can I check availability or hold a date?

You can check availability of dates on our online wedding calendar by clicking here. To place a courtesy hold on a date, please fill out our Wedding Request Form below. You will receive a response within 24 hours at the most. When you’re ready to turn your hold into a firm reservation, a signed contract and a $500 payment towards your balance will do the job!

What about scheduling a rehearsal for our ceremony?

Your rental fees include one hour in our sanctuary, usually a day or two before your wedding date.

Can we use our own minister to perform our wedding?

Yes, you can! Our only requirement is that the person is licensed to conduct wedding ceremonies in the State of California. 

Does the rental fee include staffing?

Yes. In addition to reserving the facilities, your rental fee also includes the Unitarian Society event assistant for the day of your event (and at your rehearsal) to assist with vendors, security, and custodial services.

What is the earliest we can begin our setup?

On Saturdays, for a wedding with a reception, you and your vendors (including deliveries) can gain access at 12:00 p.m. On Fridays and Sundays, that access time is 2:00 p.m. If additional hours are needed, please contact our Facility & Events Coordinator, Joanie Bear.

What time does our reception need to end by?

By city ordinance, all events must end no later than 10:00 p.m. Your vendors however are given another hour to clean-up and move out.

May I use candles?

Yes, but only if they are enclosed in protective glass containers and your plans for the location and number of candles must be discussed in advance with our Facility & Event Coordinator.

Are animals allowed to be part of the ceremony?

Yes! We love helping you include your furry friends in your wedding celebration. Your well-behaved dog is welcome to join you on your special day. Other animals will be considered upon request.

Do you require the use of approved vendors?

We prefer that you use vendors on our approved list, but it is possible for you to use a vendor not on our list. Our main concern is with caterers. If you want to use a caterer not on our list, we would ask for an additional $500 refundable security deposit, a visit to our kitchen at least two months in advance and some additional paperwork. For a list of vendors, please click here.

Does the Unitarian Society provide any tables, chairs, or other event “add-ons”?

Yes! The Unitarian Society does have in-house table and chair rentals, in addition to a couple of lighting packages. For more information, please click here. All other rentals must be provided by an Approved Vendor. USSB does not provide event supplies such as table linens, glassware, tableware, decorative supplies, etc.

Does the Unitarian Society require a wedding coordinator?

Yes. We require that all weddings hire an approved professional wedding coordinator for receptions or large events (over 50 guests). A wedding coordinator is not required for ceremony-only. Our vendor list has many wonderful Coordinators, and you can also purchase wedding coordination services through USSB at a reduced rate. (These are former employees who have gone on to become wedding coordinators but know the in’s and out’s of our venue!)

Is there a space available for the bride prior to the ceremony?

Yes. A room is available just off our sanctuary, and it has its own bathroom.

Can we supply our own food and/or alcoholic beverages?

We do not allow event hosts to provide their own food or alcoholic beverages, but you may be able to do so with your caterer. USSB requires all receptions to work with a licensed caterer or bartending service. Some caterers will allow their clients to provide the alcohol, but the caterer has to be the one to make this decision and then to serve your guests.

Does the Unitarian Society have onsite parking?

Due to the fact that we are right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, there isn’t enough space to have our own parking lot. However, we have many large events here throughout the year, including services every Sunday, and parking never seems to be an issue. We have two large loading/unloading zones right in front of the church, so your guests can be dropped off right in front, with only the driver having to walk a couple blocks back.

More Questions?

Please email Joanie Bear, our Facility & Events Coordinator,
or call her at 805-965-4583 ext. 223